Another 71 public schools can access a chaplain next year, after the State Government stepped in to top up funding for chaplaincy services.

Education Minister Peter Collier said reduced Federal funding for the new National Chaplaincy Program left many schools disappointed.

“Chaplains provide valuable support and are a very important ‘listening ear’ for students who want to talk about issues that concern them.” Mr. Collier said.

The Federal Government required a panel of public, Catholic and independent schools to decide how funding for the National Chaplaincy Program was shared among public, Catholic and independent schools.

But the lower-than-usual pool of $7.41 Million a year meant a number of public schools missed out.

“We have listened to the concerns of those school communities, and that’s why the State Government has agreed to make up the $1.45 Million shortfall, enabling 71 more public schools to access a chaplain in 2015.” the Minister said.

Mr. Collier said it was important to remember, regardless of Federal funding, schools also had the choice to access chaplaincy services through a separate State Government program.

“We already contribute $5.68 Million a year to provide chaplains at Government schools. This includes an extra $590,000 a year committed at the last election.” Mr. Collier said.

“Public schools can also engage chaplains directly, under the new flexible student-centred funding model.”

Fact File

433 schools will now receive combined Federal and State funding under the national chaplaincy program – 319 public, 54 Catholic and 60 independent schools (not including $5.68M State program)

Each school will receive up to $20,000 (up to $24,000 for remote schools)